All good advice, and it looks like the tv will be more hassle than its worth. Since we'll be living in Haidian, I don't think apartments will be 'geared for expats' much -- most of our expat friends live out west in Chaoyang etc.

However, despite lack of perceived economy, given the shipping is being paid by employer, but we would need to buy a new tv, it would actually cost us money to buy a new set, however much it appears as good value. Speaking of which, what's a 'tlc' (a la Chinatrvl)?

On an sl. unrelated note, how easy is it to get an unfurnished apartment? We would much prefer that, since we're going to be in bj for a few years, and just would prefer to have our own furniture...and in addition, over time, even a modest cost saving would pay for the furniture purchases etc.

tb